FAU scores early, eliminates Columbia with 11-2 win in NCAAs

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Cody Wilson's RBI triple sparked a six-run first inning and propelled Florida Atlantic to an 11-2 victory against Columbia in an elimination game in the NCAA Tournament's Gainesville Regional on Saturday.

The Owls (41-18-1) sent 12 batters to the plate in the opening frame, the first six of them getting on base.

Tyler Frank doubled off starter Jordan Chriss to open the game and scored on Wilson's liner to right center. Jared DeSantolo, Joe Montes, Kevin Abraham and Frank also drove in runs during the big inning.

Chriss (2-7) faced eight batters in a third of an inning and gave up four hits and six runs. He walked two and hit another.

Mark Nowatnick (2-2) pitched four scoreless innings for the victory.

AJ DiFillipo provided one of the few highlights for Columbia (20-30), driving a fastball over the right-field scoreboard in the seventh. It was his first homer of the season.

Florida Atlantic advanced to play the Florida-Jacksonville loser in another elimination game Sunday.

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